TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

Now from the sixth hour darkness [fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabaktanei?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. But the rest of them said, “Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit.

Matthew 27:45–50

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

In the passage, we see Jesus suffering immensely on the cross. His cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), reflects the deep agony He felt as He bore the full wrath of God for our sins. For the first time in eternity, He experienced separation from His Father. When Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He signified the completion of His mission—paying the price for our sins.

Jesus’ death was marked by supernatural events: earthquakes, the tearing of the temple curtain, and the resurrection of saints, all pointing to His divine nature. The tearing of the curtain in the temple symbolized the removal of the barrier between humanity and God. Jesus’ sacrifice fulfilled the law, canceling its claim against us and providing eternal redemption for all who believe. Through His own blood, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place, signifying that no further sacrifices would be necessary. This act removed the barrier between God and humanity, allowing direct access to Him.

Jesus’ death and the events surrounding it remind us of the profound cost of our salvation. His cry of abandonment shows the depth of His suffering, emphasizing that He took on the full weight of our sins. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of His sacrifice and a more profound commitment to living for Him.

 

PRAYER